What we're learning

September 5-21

We just spent the last 3 weeks on our grammar unit, where students reviewed the following areas: nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives. We did this through creating posters, team teaching, and smart-board activities. We also learned how to write simple, compound, and complex sentences. Finally we reviewed punctuation in preparation for this years writing assignments. Students were assessed through an exit slip and grammar quiz.

In addition to grammar we have also began daily journalling a.k.a freedom writing, as well as weekly reading. Students will be given approximately 40 minutes each week of silent reading time in order to reach their ARP goals (worth 10% of their overall Humanities grade, as said in the course outline). Each student received a goal (number of points) to read by the end of quarter 1 (Nov 8). The success of their goals is determined by whether or not the student meets or exceeds their number of points.

For example, a student may have a goal of 12 points this quarter. In order to achieve this goal they must read one or two books whose points equal or exceed 12. Once students have finished their book(s) they must take an online quiz to demonstrate their understanding of the book.​

Sept 25-Oct 5

​Students identified their personal worldview buy exploring the 7 different elements through a questionnaire. They were then tasked to represent their worldview as a poster, which then acted as building blocks for their writing assignment. The writing assignment was taken in for marks, which are now posted on powerschool.

We then dove into our first unit in Humanities - the Renaissance. Students were challenged to investigate a series of questions and then complete a write up, and then a project demonstrating their understanding. All information, including rubrics are posted in google classroom - and all students have access. Next week there is no school on Monday Oct 9, or Tuesday Oct 10.

​PARENTS & GUARDIANS - if you would like to receive google classroom notifications about upcoming assignments/due dates etc. please send me an email so I can invite you. ​My email: mucciaronec@holyspirit.ab.ca

Oct 11-20

​Over the past 2 weeks students have been working very hard through the first 3 chapters of the Renaissance. They were introduced to a new style of learning they may or may not have had in past years - Project Based Learning. With this format students are able to demonstrate their learning through a variety of projects connected to ELA and Social Studies. They also have to express their understanding by completing a write up, which follows the format of an essay to continue developing their writing skills. Chapter 3 write ups and projects are due on Monday Oct 23 at the end of class. The expectations for each chapter can be found on google classroom. Next week we will begin chapter 4 (which has been a student favorite in the past) and the week following we will begin chapter 5.

Oct 23-Nov 8

​Wow! What a busy end to term 1! My students continue to impress me with their diligence, and willingness to work hard in Humanities. We have officially finished our Renaissance unit, and will begin our novel study on The Giver starting Monday Nov 13. Grades have been updated, and you will be able to access a digital "report card" available on PowerSchool by the end of next week. Students will also be receiving their term 2 ARP reading goals next week. If you have any questions, comments, concerns etc., please see my November office hours to book an appointment to meet, or feel free to email me.

Nov 13-21

​After returning from our Remembrance Day break, we began our novel study on the book The Giver. Students were given the assignment "chapter jot notes" where they needed to reflect and respond to each chapter. The jot notes are due on November 30.

Upcoming Assignments

Chapter jot notes due November 30Reading & Writing project due November 30 - all information can be found on google classroomViewing and Representing project due November 30 - all information can be found on google classroom

​PERSUASIVE ESSAY DUE THURSDAY DEC 21. Students have been working very hard building their arguments for their essays. Each student completed a detailed outline and a thesis statement. We are aiming to complete our rough drafts by Friday December 15. Students will have access to the chrome books to type their completed essay between Dec 18-21.

2018 Upcoming Assignments

​Listening and Speaking project (students had the choice between an Aztec Rap and an Infomercial) due at the beginning of class on Thursday Feb 8

Viewing and Representing project due at the beginning of class Thursday Feb 15